We’ll checkmate militants’ activities, says Army boss

By John Ighodaro
CALABARâ€”General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Mohammed D. Isah, has called on soldiers to remain vigilant at their duty posts, while pledging the determination of the army to checkmate the current unrest by militants in the Niger Delta.

He spoke at a three day 82 Division Inter Brigade combat proficiency competition which held at Akim Barracks, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Cross River State.

He commended the Chief of Army Staff for initiating a hitch free exercise and the judges for making it a success towards elevating the Nigerian Army standards in warfare as well as sharpening its proficiency.

Isah said there was healthy rivalry among participants and all hands should be on deck to imbibe knowledge learnt and said all were winners though some came first and some last and those who did not perform well should make amend for further competitions while the winners should work harder to remain champions.

The GOC reminded the soldiers of the vices ravaging the Niger Delta and pledged the determination of the army to check mate them and remain vigilant in their duty posts.
He lauded Imoke for providing a peaceful environment for the Nigerian Army in Cross River, noting that the state has the highest concentration of army units in Nigeria and thanked Cross Riverians for being good hosts to them.

In his remarksÂ at the occasion, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, who wasÂ special guest of honourÂ declared that the state government intends to complement the services of the Nigerian Army by providing constant water supply and renovation of its dilapidated buildings at Eburutu Barracks, Calabar.

He noted the gesture is in appreciation of the services rendered by officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the state.

While commending the participants in the keen spirit of sportsmanship and brotherliness exhibited, Imoke described the exercise as his first experience, describing it as exciting and encouraging as well as an indication of the state of preparedness of the Nigerian Army, adding that they exhibited the training, discipline and excellent presentations of what the army stands for.